Expandable broadhead

ABSTRACT

A broadhead for mating with an arrow, includes a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of the blades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinal translation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead is also included.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This applicationThis application is a Reissue application of U.S. Pat.No. 6,910,979, filed Oct. 17, 2003 as Ser. No. 10/688,542, which is aContinuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 10/601,681, filed Jun. 23,2003, now abandoned, which is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser.No. 10/233,341, filed Sep. 3, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,776, whichis incorporated herein by reference, which is a Divisional Applicationderived fromDivision of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/798,578filed Mar. 3, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,454, which is incorporatedherein by reference, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/188,683 filed Mar. 13, 2000, all of which arewhich isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to broadheads, which are often referredto as broadhead arrowtips or arrowheads but which, among users, aresimply referred to as broadheads and more specifically to an expandingbroadhead which has an inflight configuration and dimension with theblades retracted and which, upon striking a target, expands the bladesoutwardly to result in a larger entrance opening in the target.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of broadheads is well known in the bow hunting art and variousbroadheads including both expanding and fixed blade types are available.The function of the expanding blade is to provide a relatively small,inflight dimension with the blades being outwardly moveable uponstriking a target, to expand the blades to an open position. The fixedblade maintains its dimension during flight and when entering thetarget. The advantage of the small, inflight dimension of the expandingbroadhead is the trueness of flight, which is available, as cross windswill not affect the flight, as they are at to do with a solid bladedesign. Typically, expanding prior art blades are hinged to thebroadhead body at a rearward blade edge. In the retracted position, aportion of the forward blade edge is presented to the target. Uponstriking the target each blade rotates outward about the hinge betweenabout 90 and 180 degrees to the expanded position. What was the forwardblade edge becomes the rearward blade edge in the expanded position.Such reaction and the sudden stopping of the blade in the expandedposition imparts significant strikes on both the blades and on thehinge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The blades of the broadhead embodying the invention disclosed hereinrelate to an expanding broadhead wherein the blades are forcedlongitudinally rearwardly upon striking a target and are slid within acapturing recess, either a slot or a groove, and being held within thesame by a transversely extending or friction providing member positionedrelative to a mass reducing guide within the blade such as a slot. Asthe blades are forced rearwardly, the rearmost ends of the same areshifted outwardly, either by a camming member configured in thecapturing recess or by a retaining member disposed in a blade slot orboth, to an expanded cutting position.

It is an object of the applicants' invention to provide an expandingbroadhead wherein a multiple of blades are arranged for sliding movementwithin an equal number of passages through the broadhead body ormultiple single blades, preferably three, are provided in separate,arcuately spaced recesses formed in the broadhead body such that theblades, in either arrangement, provide an inflight, collapsed positionand, upon the broadhead striking a target, move longitudinallyrearwardly and are cammed or guided outwardly into an expanded, cuttingposition.

It is a further object of the applicants' invention to provide anexpandable broadhead wherein a pair of blades are arranged for slidingmovement within a single passage formed through the body of thebroadhead and the blades are each provided with a guide element such asa slot formed in the blade, which slot in cooperation with a retainingmember allows for rearward movement and outward shifting of the rear ofthe blades into their expanded cutting position.

It is a further object of the applicants' invention to provide anexpandable broadhead wherein the blades thereof are provided with alongitudinally extending slot of selected configuration to assist inoutward camming of the rear of the blades as they are moved rearwardlyupon striking a target.

It is a further object of the applicants' invention to provide anexpandable broadhead wherein, preferably, three individual blades areprovided in arcuately spaced grooves or slots formed in the broadheadbody and are held and retained therein allowed to move rearwardly uponthe broadhead striking a target with guide means provided between eachgroove or slot and a respective blade to allow for outward movement ofthe rear end of the blade upon striking a target.

These and other objects and advantages of the applicants' invention willmore fully appear from a consideration of the accompanying drawings anddescription.

The present invention is a broadhead for mating with an arrow andincludes a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flightposition and an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades beingrearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flightposition to the extended, penetrating position, each of the bladesresiding at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in abroadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinaltranslation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming of a bladecutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body. Thepresent invention is further a method of expanding an expandablebroadhead.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an expanding broadhead embodying the conceptsof the applicants' invention wherein the broadhead is provided with apair of blades;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an expanding broadhead embodying the conceptsof the applicants' invention wherein the broadhead is provided with atleast three accurately spaced blades, it being understood that thisnumber may be increased;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the expanding broadhead takensubstantially along Line 3-3 of FIG. 1, with portions thereof separatedfor ease of description;

FIG. 4 is a view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 1illustrating the expanding blades of the broadhead in their inflightposition;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the expanding bladed ofthe broadhead in a partially expanded position;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5 and illustrating the expandingblades in their fully expanded position;

FIG. 7 is a view taken substantially along Line 7-7 of FIG. 2 showing asingle blade of the multiple blade form of the invention in inflightposition;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating the expanding blade in apartially expanded position;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrating the expandingblade in its fully expanded position;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the blade that is illustrated inFIGS. 2, 7, 8, and 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the broadhead of FIG. 9 with a tip blade;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the broadheadof the present invention in the extended, penetrating position;

FIG. 13 is a further respective view of the broadhead of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of the tip end of the broadhead of FIG.12;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the broadhead of FIG. 12 in theretracted, inflight position;

FIG. 16 is an end elevational view of the tip end of the broadhead ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a broadhead having a further embodimentof the blade recess position;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a broadhead depicting the blade recessposition of the broadhead of FIGS. 12-16;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a broadhead having an additionalembodiment of the blade recess position;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the broadhead depicting anotherembodiment of the blade recess position; and

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a broadhead depicting an evenfurther embodiment of the blade recess position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As illustrated in the various views, the broadhead 10 of the presentinvention may take a number of forms, which are basically the same intheir inventive concept. The first of the forms, shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4,5, and 6 provides a pair of blades which are mounted within a singular,longitudinally extending passage which is formed entirely through thebody of the broadhead. The second of the forms, shown in FIGS. 2, 7, 8,9, and 10 provides, preferably, three blades, spaced arcuately about thebody of the broadhead. In either form, the blades are provided withmeans to retain at least the front end of the blades within the passageor groove during movement of the blades and are provided with a mass orweight reducing blade guiding slot which guides and limits the movementthereof as the blade is moved rearwardly and expanded outwardly whenstriking the target. Further embodiments are depicted in FIGS. 11-15.

In the first form of the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5,and 6, broadhead body 11 is provided with a front, target penetratingend 11a and a rear arrow shaft attachment end 11b. The body 11 isprovided with a longitudinally extending, transverse passage 12 entirelytherethrough with a pair of blades 13, 14 mounted therein. The targetpenetrating end 11a may take any of several known forms such as conical,faceted, straight taper or razor insert tip blade 26, as depicted inFIG. 11.

The tip blade 26 of FIG. 11 is disposed in a transverse slot 28 definedin the target penetrating end 20a. The tip blade 26 is held in positionby a pin 30 disposed in a bore 32 defined transversely through thepenetrating end 20a. It could be held in position by bonding, welding,or other suitable means. A corresponding bore (not shown) is definedthrough the tip blade 26 and is in registry with bore 32. The tip blade26 has a pair of arcuate cutting edges 34 terminating in a leading point36. The cutting edges 34 extend radially outward from the exteriormargin of the penetrating end 20a.

In FIG. 3, one side 11c of body 11 has been broken away from theremainder of the body 11 to illustrate the blades 13, 14 as they wouldbe mounted therein. It should be appreciated that the body 11 mayactually be provided with a removable side, such as 11c, which would beattachable to the remainder of the body 11.

Each of the blades 13, 14 includes an outwardly directed cutting surface13a, 14a and a camming surface 13b, 14b, opposite such cutting surface13a, 14a with a locating cutout or notch 13c, 14c formed at the rear ofthe camming surface 13b, 14b which will locate the blades 13, 14 for theinflight position. Each of the blades 13, 14 also includes a mass orweight reducing, longitudinally extending slot 13d, 14d which liesbetween surface 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b and, as is shown, may be parallel tocutting surface 13a, 14a.

A first transversely positioned, blade locating and retaining member 15,such as a pin or screw, extends entirely through the body 11 and throughslots 13d, 14d to retain the blades 13, 14 within the body passage 12.Apertures, not numbered, receive such member 15. This member 15 allowslongitudinal, rearward movement of blades 13, 14 within passage 12 andallows the rear ends 13f, 14f of the blades 13, 14 to expand outwardlyinto the penetrating position but does not allow the blades 13, 14 to beremoved from passage 12 without removal of the member 15.

A second transversely positioned pin or screw 16 extends entirelythrough body 11 and passage 12 to provide a cam which is received intocutout or notch 13c, 14c when the blades 13, 14 are in their inflight orcollapsed position and which acts against camming surfaces 13b, 14b asthe blades 13, 14 are forced rearwardly by abutment of their forwardends 13e, 14e against a target to force the rear ends 13f, 14f of theblades 13, 14 outwardly into cutting position.

To hold the blades 13, 14 in their inflight position, a notch 13g, 14gis formed in the camming edges 13b, 14b of the blades 13, 14 adjacentthe forward ends 13e, 14e thereof and a blade retaining member,breakable or unbreakable, or a friction member 17 is received into suchnotches 13g, 14g to hold the blades 13, 14 in collapsed position.

As illustrated, particularly in FIGS. 4 and 5, the forward ends 13e, 14eof blades 13, 14 extend outwardly from the radial dimension of the body11 such that these ends 13e, 14e will abut with the target upon thebroadhead 10 striking the same to force the blades 13, 14 rearwardlyagainst cam pin 16 to cause the rear ends 13f, 14f of the blades 13, 14to move into an expanded cutting position where their increased diameterwill enlarge the target opening to insure animal kill.

To hold the blades in their expanded position and prevent their return,lugs 13h, 14h are provided on the camming surfaces 13b, 14b. These lugs13h, 14h will, when the blades 13, 14 are at their expanded position,lock against pin 16 to prevent return of the blades 13, 14. However, theblades may be so designed that upon retrieval of the arrow from thetarget, the blades 13, 14 will be able to continue rotation about pin 15such that the blades 13, 14 and their canning surfaces 13b, 14b will beforwardly directed to prevent barbing of the broadhead 10 with the woundarea which is illegal in many states.

The use of this form of the broadhead 10 should be obvious to anyoneskilled in the art. The blades 13, 14 are placed in their forwardmostposition with the notches or cutouts 13c, 14c in registration with cammember 16. The holding member 17 is then arranged within notches 13g,14g to hold the blades 13, 14 in what has been termed an inflightposition. Upon the broadhead striking and penetrating a target, thebroadhead 10 will enter the target and the forward ends 13e, 14e of theblades 13, 14 will come into contact with the target to force the blades13, 14 rearwardly and continued penetration will continue such rearwardblade movement. As the blades 13, 14 move rearwardly, the cammingsurface 13b, 14b, riding against the camming element 16 will force therear ends 13f, 14f outwardly to target cutting position to enlarge thepenetration aperture with the blades 13, 14 being prevented fromreturning due to engagement of lug 13h, 14h with pin 16. The holdingmember 17, if a non-reusable type is used, will normally be cut by theblade cutting surfaces 13a, 14a as member 17 is driven rearwardly and,if not so cut, would be available for next use of the broadhead 10.Removal of the blades 13, 14 from the target with the permittedcontinued movement thereof has been explained.

This sequence of blade movement and expansion is illustrated in FIGS. 4,5 and 6 with the exception of the continued movement of the blades 13,14 for removal from the target.

A second form of the invention is sequentially shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and9 with a separate blade being illustrated in FIG. 10. This form of theinvention does not depart from the scope of the invention illustratedand described hereinabove but utilizes a different mechanical action toaccomplish the same results.

In this form of the invention a number of blades 22 may be, preferablyarcuately, spaced about a broadhead body 20, by providing grooves 21partially formed into the body 20 with means to retain the blades 22 insuch grooves 21 while permitting rearward movement and resulting inoutward expansion of the rear ends thereof as a result of striking andentering a target to, again, enlarge the entry aperture formed in thetarget. Although the blades 22 are illustrated as being in alignmentwith the axis of the broadhead 10, it should be obvious that the blades22 may be arranged angularly therewith without departing from the scopeof the invention, as discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS.12-15, below.

The broadhead 10 provides a longitudinally extending body 20 having aforward, target penetrating end 20a with the variations of shape asstated above and a rear arrow shaft mounting end 20b. It should beunderstood that a number of blades 12, preferably three, may bearcuately spaced on a broadhead body 20 and the selected drawingsillustrate only one such blade and one groove 21 to receive the same.

Each of the blades 22 includes an exterior cutting surface 22c with aninner surface 22d that has no required, defined shape other than toprovide a first, closed or inflight, locking notch 22e adjacent thefront end 22a thereof, a second, expanded or cutting, locking lug 22f, aflat rest surface 22g adjacent the rear end 22b thereof and a secondinflight holding notch 22h at the end of the rest area, adjacent therear end 22b. Both notches 22e, 22h may be utilized or a singular onemay be used.

In order to maintain the blades 22 in the respective grooves 21 andpermit longitudinal movement thereof, a weight or mass reducing slot 23is formed transversely of the blades 22 and, in the form shown, thisslot 23 is, preferably, arcuately formed such that as the blades 22 aremoved rearwardly, they will move in an arc guided and held by aretaining member 24. It is understood that slot 23 can be any number ofshapes, including triangular and straight on a first side and curved ona second side

To facilitate assembly of this form of the broadhead 10, applicantsprovide a structure, which includes a second body part 25. To receivethis second body part 25, the primary body 20 provides an area ofreduced cross section 20d along a portion thereof and second body part25 is fitted thereon. The frontal portion 25a of body part 25 providesan internal shoulder to receive blade retaining member 24. Retainingmember 24 may, as in the form shown, constitute a split ring such thatit may be introduced into the slots 23 of the blades 22 to retain thesame while permitting movement thereof. Individual pins or otherelements, for retaining the individual blades could be utilized andwould provide the same attachment of blades to body. A one-piece unitwith similar retaining means may be used without departing from thescope of the invention.

With this slot 23, retaining member 24 relation, it should be obviousthat as the blades 22 are moved rearwardly, the blades 22 will move inaccordance with the arcuate slot 23 to force the rear end 22b outwardlyfrom the body 20 into the entrance hole enlarging position.

As illustrated, an open position locking member 25b, which may take theform of a ring is provided on the second body part 25 and as the blade22 moves therepast, the aforesaid lug 22f will engage the same andprevent inward or return movement of the blade 22 and hold the same inthe open, cutting position.

When the blades 22 are in the inflight position, the first mentionedblade notch 22e is received about a lock member 22e that, again, may bein the form of a selected ring on body 20. This lock member 20e, notch22e relation eliminates the retainer 17 of the first form of theinvention and is simply another method for retaining the inflightposition.

In the inflight position, the aforementioned rest surface 22b will restupon the open lock member 25b and the rearmost notch 22h will lockagainst and to an additional, selected, ring member 25c. Lock can alsobe effected by the blade 22 being in an interference, frictional fit inthe body groove 21, the tolerance between the width of the blade 22 andthe width of the body groove 21 being controlled such that thefrictional fit is made. Rearward movement of the blade 22 will overridethe lock and, as stated a single such lock may be utilized.

The function of this form of broadhead should be obvious from thesequential motion Figures, namely, FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. The blades 22 willbe within the body groove 21 with frontal notch 22e engaging body ring20e and rear notch 22h engaging ring 25c. As the broadhead enters thetarget, the front end 22a of blade 22 will contact the target surfaceand continued movement of the broadhead into the target will force theblade 22 rearwardly past all inflight lock elements to be guided by theformed slot 23. Such movement will force the blade 22 rear end 22b intoradially outwardly expanded position.

A single blade encompassing the second form of the invention isillustrated in FIG. 10 bearing the same indicia utilized in describingthe operational movement of the blade 22.

This form of the invention will also allow for continued movement of theblades to prevent the aforementioned barbing effect.

The broadhead provided herein, of either form, accomplishes bladeexpansion through two related and relatively simple mechanicalarrangements, which eliminate the normally provided complex hingedexpansion systems of the prior art.

A further embodiment of the broadhead 10 of the present invention isdepicted in FIGS. 12-16. The broadhead 10 has three extendable blades,but it is understood that more blades may be employed. Consistent withthe previous embodiments, the blades are longitudinally translatablefrom a retracted, inflight position to an extended penetrating position.The longitudinal translation of the blades effects camming of the bladecutting edge outward relative to a broadhead body.

The broadhead 10 is depicted without the tip or threads for easilydepicting the relationship of the blades and the broadhead body.

The broadhead 10 has an elongate generally cylindrical broadhead body32. The body 32 is preferably formed of solid stock without a centrallongitudinal bore or the like. The body 32 has a tip end 34 and anopposed rear end 36, attachable to an arrow shaft. It is understood thatthe tip end 34 may include any of the aforementioned tip structures.Additionally, it is understood that the rear end 36 may be machined forjoining with an arrow shaft, as previously noted. A longitudinal axisextends centrally through the body 32, intersecting the very tip of thetip end 34.

Three blade recesses 38 are defined in the broadhead body 32 and areequiangularly displaced around the longitudinal axis 76. The bladerecess 38 may be a slot or a groove, a slot having two inlets and agroove having a single inlet with a blind bottom. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 12-16, the blade recess 38 is an offset slot 40. Each of theoffset slots 40 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 76 and displacedtherefrom. Each offset slot 40 has a first inlet 42 and a second inlet44. A bridge 46 extending between the inlets 42, 44, forms the inlets42, 44.

A blade 50 is disposed in each of the blade recesses 38. The blades 50are preferably similarly shaped having a generally triangular shape. Afirst generally straight edge is the cutting edge 52. The cutting edge52 has a very sharp razor-type edge defined thereon.

The second edge of each of the blades 50 is a camming edge 54. Thecamming edge 54 has a generally curved shape with a relatively bluntmargin. The camming edge 54 joins the cutting edge 52 at a rearwardlydisposed point 56 at respective first ends thereof. An impact edge 58forms the third side of each of the blades 50. The impact edge 58 isdisposed opposite the point 56. The impact edge 58 joins a second end ofthe respective cutting edge 52 and camming edge 54. The impact edge 58presents a relatively blunt edge margin.

Each of the blades 50 has a slot 60 defined therein. The slot 60 reducesthe mass of the blade 50, acts as a means of retaining the blade 50 tothe body 32, and further acts to at least assist in effecting a cammingmotion of the cutting edge 52 of the blade 50 during rearwardlongitudinal translation of the blade 50.

The slot 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 12-16 is formed by two edges. Thefirst such edge is a straight edge 62 that runs generally parallel tothe cutting edge 52. The second edge is a generally arcuate edge 64 thatextends inward from the straight edge 62, proximate the camming edge 54.As noted above, other shapes of the slot 60 are within the scope of theinvention.

A retaining member 66, preferably pin or screw, retains each blade 50 tothe body 32. The pin 66 is disposed in a bore 68 defined in the bridge46. The pin 66 extends through the slot 60 and terminates in a blindbore (not shown) defined in the body 32 in registry with the bore 68.

As depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16, an elastic restraint 70 extends aroundthe body 32 and captures the camming edge 54 of the blades 50 proximatethe intersection of the camming edge 54 with the impact edge 58.

In operation, at impact with an object, the tip end 34 of the broadhead10 effects the first penetration of the object. The impact edge 58 ofeach of the blades 50 next comes into contact with the object. Theimpact edge 58 being relatively blunt takes the force of impact with theobject and commences driving the blades 50 longitudinally rearward. Thismotion either cuts or breaks the restraint 70, freeing the blades 50 totranslate longitudinally rearward.

Such translation effects camming of the cutting edge 52 outward from theinflight, retracted position of FIGS. 15 and 16 to the extended,penetrating position of FIGS. 12-14. The camming is effected by the pin66 bearing on the arcuate edge 64 of the slot 60 as well as the cammingedge 54 of the blade 50 riding on the rearward margin of the offset slot40.

There are many options available for forming the blade recess 38 in thebody 32. In the depiction of FIG. 17, there are three blade recesses 38defined in the body 32. In this instance, the blade recesses 38 areequiangularly, radially displaced around the body 32. Each of the bladerecesses 38 is a groove 74. The groove 74 has a first inlet 42 and ablind bottom 72.

The depiction of FIG. 18 is of a broadhead 10 having a blade recessposition similar to that depicted in FIGS. 12-16. Each of the bladerecesses 38 is an offset slot 40 that runs parallel to the longitudinalaxis 76 of the body 32.

The depiction of FIG. 19 is of a broadhead 10 in which the bladerecesses 38 are grooves 74. In this case, the grooves 74 are offset fromthe longitudinal axis 76. Each groove 74 has two generally parallel,spaced apart side margins and a blind bottom margin.

The depiction of FIG. 20 is of another embodiment of the blade recesses38. In this case, each blade recess 38 is a groove 74. The groove 74 isangled with respect to the longitudinal axis 76 and at any point,crosses the longitudinal axis 76.

The depiction of FIG. 21 illustrates a further position of the bladerecesses 38. In this embodiment, each of the blade recesses 38 is agroove 74 defined in the body 32. The groove 74 has a blind bottom 72and first inlet 42. In this case, each of the grooves 74 is angled withrespect to the longitudinal axis 76 and is offset from and does notcross the longitudinal axis 76.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other embodiments inaddition to the ones described herein are indicated to be within thescope and breadth of the present application. Accordingly, the applicantintends to be limited only by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A broadhead for mating with an arrow, comprising:a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flight positionand an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades beingrearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flightposition to the extended, penetrating position, each of the bladesresiding at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in abroadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinaltranslation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of ablade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body,the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet anda second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge.
 2. The broadhead ofclaim 1, each of the plurality of blades having a mass reducingretaining slot defined therein, a retaining device being disposedtherein for shiftably coupling the respective blade to the broadheadbody.
 3. The broadhead of claim 2, A broadhead for mating with an arrow,comprising: a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, inflight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of theblades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted,in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of theblades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined ina broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinaltranslation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of ablade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body,the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet anda second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge, wherein each of theplurality of blades have a mass reducing retaining slot defined therein,a retaining device being disposed therein for shiftably coupling therespective blade to the broadhead body, and wherein the respective slotsbeing are arcuate in shape.
 4. The broadhead of claim 2, A broadhead formating with an arrow, comprising: a plurality of blades shiftablebetween a retracted, in flight position and an extended, penetratingposition, each of the blades being rearwardly longitudinallytranslatable from the retracted, in flight position to the extended,penetrating position, each of the blades residing at least in part in arespective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in theretracted, in flight position, longitudinal translation of the pluralityof blades effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of eachblade outward relative to the broadhead body, the respective bladerecesses each being a slot having a first inlet and a second inletdisposed on either side of a bridge, wherein each of the plurality ofblades have a mass reducing retaining slot defined therein, a retainingdevice being disposed therein for shiftably coupling the respectiveblade to the broadhead body, and wherein the respective slots havinghave a shape defined by a substantially straight side and by a curvedside.
 5. The broadhead of claim 2, the respective slots and respectiveretaining devices cooperating to at least in part effecting the outwardcamming action of the blades during rearward longitudinal translationthereof.
 6. The broadhead of claim 1 A broadhead for mating with anarrow, comprising: a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted,in flight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of theblades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted,in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of theblades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined ina broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinaltranslation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of ablade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body,the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet anda second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge, the broadheadfurther including a tip blade operably coupled to a penetrating end ofthe broadhead body.
 7. The broadhead of claim 6, the tip blade having apair of cutting edges.
 8. The broadhead of claim 7, the tip bladecutting edges being curved and intersecting at a leading point.
 9. Thebroadhead of claim 7, the tip blade cutting edges extending radiallyoutward relative to a penetrating end external margin.
 10. The broadheadof claim 1 having at least three blades.
 11. The broadhead of claim 1,each of the blades having a camming edge operably coupled to the cuttingedge and an impact edge operably coupled to the cutting edge.
 12. Thebroadhead of claim 11, the respective impact edges being presented atleast in part external to the broadhead body when the respective bladesare in the retracted, in flight position.
 13. The broadhead of claim 12,a rearward directed longitudinal force exerted on the portion of therespective impact edges presented external to the broadhead body actingto translate the respective blades rearwardly longitudinally to theextended, penetrating position.
 14. The broadhead of claim 1, Abroadhead for mating with an arrow, comprising: a plurality of bladesshiftable between a retracted, in flight position and an extended,penetrating position, each of the blades being rearwardly longitudinallytranslatable from the retracted, in flight position to the extended,penetrating position, each of the blades residing at least in part in arespective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in theretracted, in flight position, longitudinal translation of the pluralityof blades effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of eachblade outward relative to the broadhead body, the respective bladerecesses each being a slot having a first inlet and a second inletdisposed on either side of a bridge, and wherein the respective bladerecesses each being a groove having a first inlet and a blind bottommargin.
 15. The broadhead of claim 1, the respective blade recesses eachbeing offset from a broadhead body longitudinal axis.
 16. The broadheadof claim 1, the respective blade recesses each being offset from abroadhead body longitudinal axis and parallel thereto.
 17. The broadheadof claim 1, A broadhead for mating with an arrow, comprising: aplurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, in flight positionand an extended, penetrating position, each of the blades beingrearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted, in flightposition to the extended, penetrating position, each of the bladesresiding at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in abroadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinaltranslation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of ablade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body,the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet anda second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge, and wherein therespective blade recesses are each being offset from a broadhead bodylongitudinal axis and angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. 18.The broadhead of claim 1, A broadhead for mating with an arrow,comprising: a plurality of blades shiftable between a retracted, inflight position and an extended, penetrating position, each of theblades being rearwardly longitudinally translatable from the retracted,in flight position to the extended, penetrating position, each of theblades residing at least in part in a respective blade recess defined ina broadhead body when in the retracted, in flight position, longitudinaltranslation of the plurality of blades effecting a camming action of ablade cutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body,the respective blade recesses each being a slot having a first inlet anda second inlet disposed on either side of a bridge, and wherein therespective blade recesses are each being angled with respect to thelongitudinal axis and intersecting the longitudinal axis.
 19. Thebroadhead of claim 1, the respective blade recesses each being radiallydisposed relative to a broadhead body longitudinal axis.
 20. A method ofexpanding an expandable broadhead, comprising: disposing each of aplurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recessdefined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from theretracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outwardrelative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translationof each of the plurality of blades; and defining a mass reducingretaining slot in each of the plurality of blades and disposing aretaining device in the respective slots for shiftably coupling therespective blade to the broadhead body.
 21. The method of claim 20, Amethod of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising: disposing eachof a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recessdefined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from theretracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outwardrelative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translationof each of the plurality of blades; defining a mass reducing retainingslot in each of the plurality of blades and disposing a retaining devicein the respective slots for shiftably coupling the respective blade tothe broadhead body; and including forming the respective slots in anarcuate shape.
 22. The method of claim 20, including forming therespective slots in a shape defined by a substantially straight side andby a curved side.
 23. The method of claim 20, including at least in parteffecting the outward camming action of the blades during rearwardlongitudinal translation thereof by cooperative action of the respectiveslots and respective retaining devices.
 24. The method of claim 20 Amethod of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising: disposing eachof a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recessdefined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from theretracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outwardrelative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translationof each of the plurality of blades; defining a mass reducing retainingslot in each of the plurality of blades and disposing a retaining devicein the respective slots for shiftably coupling the respective blade tothe broadhead body; and including operably coupling a tip blade to apenetrating end of the broadhead body.
 25. The method of claim 24,including forming a pair of cutting edges on the tip blade.
 26. Themethod of claim 25, including forming the tip blade cutting edges curvedand intersecting at a leading point.
 27. The method of claim 25,including extending the tip blade cutting edges radially outwardrelative to a penetrating end external margin.
 28. The method of claim20, including disposing at least three blades at least in part in arespective blade recess defined in a broadhead body.
 29. The method ofclaim 20, including forming the respective blade recesses as a slothaving a first inlet and a second inlet disposed on either side of abridge.
 30. The method of claim 20, A method of expanding an expandablebroadhead, comprising: disposing each of a plurality of blades at leastin part in a respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when ina retracted, in flight position; rearwardly longitudinally translatingeach of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to anextended, penetrating position; effecting a camming action of a bladecutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body bymeans of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality ofblades; defining a mass reducing retaining slot in each of the pluralityof blades and disposing a retaining device in the respective slots forshiftably coupling the respective blade to the broadhead body; andincluding forming the respective blade recesses as a groove having afirst inlet and a blind bottom margin.
 31. A method of expanding anexpandable broadhead, comprising: disposing each of a plurality ofblades at least in part in a respective blade recess defined in abroadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position; rearwardlylongitudinally translating each of the blades from the retracted, inflight position to an extended, penetrating position; effecting acamming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outward relative tothe broadhead body to means of the longitudinal translation of each ofthe plurality of blades; and on each of the blades, defining a cammingedge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edge and animpact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cutting edge.32. The method of claim 31, including presenting the respective impactedges at least in part external to the broadhead body when therespective blades are in the retracted, in flight position.
 33. Themethod of claim 32, including exerting a rearward directed longitudinalforce on the portion of the respective impact edges presented externalto the broadhead body acting to translate the respective bladesrearwardly longitudinally to the blade extended, penetrating position.34. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising: disposingeach of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective bladerecess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flightposition; rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades fromthe retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outwardrelative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translationof each of the plurality of blades; and forming the respective bladerecesses offset from a broadhead body longitudinal axis.
 35. The methodof claim 34, A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising:disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part in a respectiveblade recess defined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flightposition; rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades fromthe retracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outwardrelative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translationof each of the plurality of blades; forming the respective bladerecesses offset from a broadhead body longitudinal axis; and includingforming the respective blade recesses offset from a broadhead bodylongitudinal axis and angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. 36.The method of claim 34, A method of expanding an expandable broadhead,comprising: disposing each of a plurality of blades at least in part ina respective blade recess defined in a broadhead body when in aretracted, in flight position; rearwardly longitudinally translatingeach of the blades from the retracted, in flight position to anextended, penetrating position; effecting a camming action of a bladecutting edge of each blade outward relative to the broadhead body bymeans of the longitudinal translation of each of the plurality ofblades; forming the respective blade recesses offset from a broadheadbody longitudinal axis; and including forming the respective bladerecesses angled with respect to the longitudinal axis and intersectingthe longitudinal axis.
 37. The method of claim 34, including forming therespective blade recesses radially disposed relative to a broadhead bodylongitudinal axis.
 38. An expandable broadhead comprising: a broadheadbody comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis andat least one blade recess; and a plurality of blades each comprising anoutwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impactedge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to thebroadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsedposition with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impactedges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with theimpact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the bladesexpanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein foreach of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupledto the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge isoperably coupled to the cutting surface, and wherein a pair of bladesare arranged for sliding engagement within a single recess.
 39. Anexpandable broadhead comprising: a broadhead body comprising apenetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one bladerecess; and a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directedcutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of theplurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead bodygenerally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position withthe blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed fromthe blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edgesrearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radiallyoutwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of theplurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to thecutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operablycoupled to the cutting surface, and wherein the at least one bladerecess comprises a groove with one inlet.
 40. An expandable broadheadcomprising: a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located alonga longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and a plurality ofblades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a cammingsurface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged toslide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinalaxis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed andat least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expandedposition with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions ofthe blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body,wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface isoperably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and theimpact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the atleast one blade recess is arranged at an angle with respect to thelongitudinal axis.
 41. An expandable broadhead comprising: a broadheadbody comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis andat least one blade recess; and a plurality of blades each comprising anoutwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impactedge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to thebroadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsedposition with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impactedges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with theimpact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the bladesexpanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein foreach of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupledto the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge isoperably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the penetrating endcomprises a tip blade.
 42. An expandable broadhead comprising: abroadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinalaxis and at least one blade recess; and a plurality of blades eachcomprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, andan impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to sliderelative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axisbetween a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and atleast the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expandedposition with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions ofthe blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body,wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface isoperably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and theimpact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein thecutting surfaces on the blades are located opposite the respectivecamming surfaces.
 43. An expandable broadhead comprising: a broadheadbody comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis andat least one blade recess; and a plurality of blades each comprising anoutwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impactedge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to thebroadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsedposition with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impactedges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with theimpact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the bladesexpanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein foreach of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupledto the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge isoperably coupled to the cutting surface, and wherein the expandablebroadhead comprises a friction member that holds the blades in thecollapsed position.
 44. An expandable broadhead comprising: a broadheadbody comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis andat least one blade recess; and a plurality of blades each comprising anoutwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impactedge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to thebroadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsedposition with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impactedges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with theimpact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the bladesexpanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein foreach of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupledto the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge isoperably coupled to the cutting surface, and wherein the blades comprisean interference fit with the at least one blade recess.
 45. Anexpandable broadhead comprising: a broadhead body comprising apenetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one bladerecess; and a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directedcutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of theplurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead bodygenerally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position withthe blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed fromthe blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edgesrearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radiallyoutwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of theplurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to thecutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operablycoupled to the cutting surface, wherein the camming surfaces comprisefeatures that retain the blades in the expanded position.
 46. Anexpandable broadhead comprising: a broadhead body comprising apenetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and at least one bladerecess; and a plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directedcutting surface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of theplurality of blades arranged to slide relative to the broadhead bodygenerally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsed position withthe blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edges exposed fromthe blade recess, and an expanded position with the impact edgesrearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radiallyoutwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of theplurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to thecutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operablycoupled to the cutting surface, wherein the blades are arranged at anangle with respect to the longitudinal axis.
 47. An expandable broadheadcomprising: a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end located alonga longitudinal axis and at least one blade recess; and a plurality ofblades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a cammingsurface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged toslide relative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinalaxis between a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed andat least the impact edges exposed from the blade recess, and an expandedposition with the impact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions ofthe blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body,wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface isoperably coupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and theimpact edge is operably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein thebroadhead body comprises a surface engaged with the camming surfaces onthe blades during movement from the collapsed position to the expandedposition.
 48. An expandable broadhead comprising: a broadhead bodycomprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinal axis and atleast one blade recess; and a plurality of blades each comprising anoutwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impactedge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to slide relative to thebroadhead body generally along the longitudinal axis between a collapsedposition with the blades forwardly disposed and at least the impactedges exposed from the blade recess, and an expanded position with theimpact edges rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the bladesexpanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein foreach of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupledto the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge isoperably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the camming surfaces ofthe blades engage a rearward portion of the recess during movement fromthe collapsed position to the expanded position.
 49. An expandablebroadhead comprising: a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end andan arrow shaft attachment end permanently fixing relative to each otheralong a longitudinal axis; and a plurality of blades each comprising anoutwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impactedge, each of the plurality of blades arranged for sliding engagementwith the broadhead body, wherein the blades slide generally along thelongitudinal axis, between a collapsed position with the bladesforwardly disposed and at least the impact edge exposed from thebroadhead body, and an expanded position with the impact edge rearwardlydisposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardlyrelative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality ofblades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surfaceand the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to thecutting surface, wherein the broadhead body comprises a surface engagedwith the blades during movement from the collapsed position to theexpanded position.
 50. An expandable broadhead comprising: a broadheadbody comprising a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment endpermanently fixing relative to each other along a longitudinal axis; anda plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cuttingsurface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality ofblades arranged for sliding engagement with the broadhead body, whereinthe blades slide generally along the longitudinal axis, between acollapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and at least theimpact edge exposed from the broadhead body, and an expanded positionwith the impact edge rearwardly disposed and rear portions of the bladesexpanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein foreach of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupledto the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge isoperably coupled to the cutting surface, wherein the broadhead bodycomprises a surface engaged with the camming surfaces on the bladesduring movement from the collapsed position to the expanded position.51. An expandable broadhead comprising: a broadhead body comprising apenetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end permanently fixingrelative to each other along a longitudinal axis; and a plurality ofblades each comprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a cammingsurface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arrangedfor sliding engagement with the broadhead body, wherein the blades slidegenerally along the longitudinal axis, between a collapsed position withthe blades forwardly disposed and at least the impact edge exposed fromthe broadhead body, and an expanded position with the impact edgerearwardly disposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radiallyoutwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of theplurality of blades the camming surface is operably coupled to thecutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edge is operablycoupled to the cutting surface, wherein the camming surfaces of theblades engage a rearward portion of the recess during movement from thecollapsed position to the expanded position.
 52. A method of expandingan expandable broadhead, comprising the steps of: permanently fixing apenetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end on a broadhead bodyrelative to each other along a longitudinal axis; engaging each of aplurality of blades for sliding engagement with the broadhead bodygenerally along the longitudinal axis; arranging the plurality of bladesgenerally along the longitudinal axis in a collapsed position, theblades comprising outwardly directed cutting surfaces, camming surfaces,and forwardly oriented impact edges; applying a rearward force to eachof the impact edges so that rear portions of the each of the respectiveblades expand radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, whereinfor each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operablycoupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edgeis operably coupled to the cutting surface; and arranging a pair ofblades for sliding engagement within a single recess in the broadheadbody.
 53. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising thesteps of: permanently fixing a penetrating end and an arrow shaftattachment end on a broadhead body relative to each other along alongitudinal axis; engaging each of a plurality of blades for slidingengagement with the broadhead body generally along the longitudinalaxis; arranging the plurality of blades generally along the longitudinalaxis in a collapsed position, the blades comprising outwardly directedcutting surfaces, camming surfaces, and forwardly oriented impact edges;applying a rearward force to each of the impact edges so that rearportions of the each of the respective blades expand radially outwardlyrelative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality ofblades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surfaceand the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to thecutting surface; and forming at least one blade recess in the broadheadbody comprising a groove with one inlet.
 54. A method of expanding anexpandable broadhead, comprising the steps of: permanently fixing apenetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end on a broadhead bodyrelative to each other along a longitudinal axis; engaging each of aplurality of blades for sliding engagement with the broadhead bodygenerally along the longitudinal axis; arranging the plurality of bladesgenerally along the longitudinal axis in a collapsed position, theblades comprising outwardly directed cutting surfaces, camming surfaces,and forwardly oriented impact edges; applying a rearward force to eachof the impact edges so that rear portions of the each of the respectiveblades expand radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, whereinfor each of the plurality of blades the camming surface is operablycoupled to the cutting surface and the impact edge, and the impact edgeis operably coupled to the cutting surface; and locating the blades inblade recesses arranged at an angle with respect to the longitudinalaxis.
 55. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising thesteps of: permanently fixing a penetrating end and an arrow shaftattachment end on a broadhead body relative to each other along alongitudinal axis; engaging each of a plurality of blades for slidingengagement with the broadhead body generally along the longitudinalaxis; arranging the plurality of blades generally along the longitudinalaxis in a collapsed position, the blades comprising outwardly directedcutting surfaces, camming surfaces, and forwardly oriented impact edges;applying a rearward force to each of the impact edges so that rearportions of the each of the respective blades expand radially outwardlyrelative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality ofblades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surfaceand the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to thecutting surface; and engaging the camming surfaces with the broadheadbody during movement from the collapsed position to the expandedposition.
 56. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprisingthe steps of: permanently fixing a penetrating end and an arrow shaftattachment end on a broadhead body relative to each other along alongitudinal axis; engaging each of a plurality of blades for slidingengagement with the broadhead body generally along the longitudinalaxis; arranging the plurality of blades generally along the longitudinalaxis in a collapsed position, the blades comprising outwardly directedcutting surfaces, camming surfaces, and forwardly oriented impact edges;applying a rearward force to each of the impact edges so that rearportions of the each of the respective blades expand radially outwardlyrelative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality ofblades the camming surface is operably coupled to the cutting surfaceand the impact edge, and the impact edge is operably coupled to thecutting surface; and engaging camming surfaces with rearward portion ofrecesses in the broadhead body during movement from the collapsedposition to the expanded position.
 57. A method of expanding anexpandable broadhead, comprising the steps of: permanently fixing apenetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment end on a broadhead bodyrelative to each other along a longitudinal axis; disposing each of aplurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recessdefined in the broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from theretracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outwardrelative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translationof each of the plurality of blades; on each of the blades, defining acamming edge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edgeand an impact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cuttingedge; and engaging the camming surfaces with rearward portions of therecesses in the broadhead body during movement from the collapsedposition to the expanded position.
 58. The method of claim 57 comprisingengaging the impact edges with an object to drive each of the bladeslongitudinally rearward.
 59. The method of claim 57 comprising formingelongated slots in the blades engaged with at least one feature on thebroadhead body.
 60. The method of claim 57 comprising forming thecamming surfaces on the blades comprising a shape including one or moreof convex, concave, straight, or a combination thereof.
 61. The methodof claim 57 comprising engaging the camming surfaces with the broadheadbody during movement from the collapsed position to the expandedposition.
 62. The method of claim 57 wherein the rearward portion of therecess comprises a surface on the broadhead body.
 63. The method ofclaim 57 comprising the steps of: engaging the penetrating end with anobject; and subsequently engaging each of the impact edges with theobject to commence driving the blades longitudinally rearward.
 64. Amethod of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising: disposing eachof a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recessdefined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from theretracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outwardrelative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translationof each of the plurality of blades; on each of the blades, defining acamming edge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edgeand an impact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cuttingedge; and pivotally attaching the blades to the broadhead body.
 65. Amethod of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising: disposing eachof a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recessdefined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from theretracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outwardrelative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translationof each of the plurality of blades; on each of the blades, defining acamming edge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edgeand an impact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cuttingedge; and engaging the camming surfaces with the broadhead body duringmovement from the retracted position to the penetrating position.
 66. Amethod of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising: disposing eachof a plurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recessdefined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from theretracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outwardrelative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translationof each of the plurality of blades; on each of the blades, defining acamming edge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edgeand an impact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cuttingedge; and engaging camming surfaces with rearward portions of therespective recesses in the broadhead body during movement from theretracted position to the penetrating position.
 67. A method ofexpanding an expandable broadhead, comprising: disposing each of aplurality of blades at least in part in a respective blade recessdefined in a broadhead body when in a retracted, in flight position;rearwardly longitudinally translating each of the blades from theretracted, in flight position to an extended, penetrating position;effecting a camming action of a blade cutting edge of each blade outwardrelative to the broadhead body by means of the longitudinal translationof each of the plurality of blades; on each of the blades, defining acamming edge and operably coupling the camming edge to the cutting edgeand an impact edge and operably coupling the impact edge to the cuttingedge; and engaging the camming edges on the blades with the expandablebroadhead during movement from the retracted position to the penetratingposition.
 68. An expandable broadhead comprising: at least one bladeincluding a slot located at least in part in a blade recess on abroadhead body in a retracted, in flight position; at least oneretaining device extending through the slot, coupling the blade to thebroadhead body, such that upon impact of the expandable broadhead withan object the blade translates rearwardly relative to the broadhead bodyand the retaining device slides in the slot and a rear end of the blademoves radially outward to an extended, penetrating position; and afeature on the blade adapted to retain the blade in the retracted, inflight position.
 69. An expandable broadhead comprising: at least oneblade including a slot located at least in part in a blade recess on abroadhead body in a retracted, in flight position; at least oneretaining device extending through the slot, coupling the blade to thebroadhead body, such that upon impact of the expandable broadhead withan object the blade translates rearwardly relative to the broadhead bodyand the retaining device slides in the slot and a rear end of the blademoves radially outward to an extended, penetrating position; and afeature on the blade adapted to retain the blade in the extended,penetrating position.
 70. An expandable broadhead comprising: at leastone blade including a slot located at least in part in a blade recess ona broadhead body in a retracted, in flight position; at least oneretaining device extending through the slot, coupling the blade to thebroadhead body, such that upon impact of the expandable broadhead withan object the blade translates rearwardly relative to the broadhead bodyand the retaining device slides in the slot and a rear end of the blademoves radially outward to an extended, penetrating position; and a tipblade coupled to a penetrating end of the expandable broadhead.
 71. Amethod of expanding an expandable broadhead, comprising: locating atleast one blade at least in part in a blade recess in a broadhead bodyin a retracted, in flight position, a retaining device extending througha slot in the blade coupling the blade to the broadhead body; rearwardlytranslating the blade in the blade recess relative to the broadhead bodyin response to the expandable broadhead impacting an object, so that theretaining device slides in the slot; moving a rear end of the bladeradially outward from a groove to an extended, penetrating positionduring rearward translation; and engaging a feature on the blade toretain the blade in the retracted, in flight position.
 72. A method ofexpanding an expandable broadhead, comprising: locating at least oneblade at least in part in a blade recess in a broadhead body in aretracted, in flight position, a retaining device extending through aslot in the blade coupling the blade to the broadhead body; rearwardlytranslating the blade in the blade recess relative to the broadhead bodyin response to the expandable broadhead impacting an object, so that theretaining device slides in the slot; moving a rear end of the bladeradially outward from a groove to an extended, penetrating positionduring rearward translation; and engaging a feature on the blade toretain the blade in the extended, penetrating position.
 73. A method ofexpanding an expandable broadhead, comprising: locating at least oneblade at least in part in a blade recess in a broadhead body in aretracted, in flight position, a retaining device extending through aslot in the blade coupling the blade to the broadhead body; rearwardlytranslating the blade in the blade recess relative to the broadhead bodyin response to the expandable broadhead impacting an object, so that theretaining device slides in the slot; moving a rear end of the bladeradially outward from a groove to an extended, penetrating positionduring rearward translation; and coupling a penetrating portion to aforward end of the broadhead body.
 74. A method of expanding anexpandable broadhead, comprising: disposing at least one blade at leastin part in a blade recess in a broadhead body when in a retracted, inflight position; rearwardly translating the blade from the retracted, inflight position to an extended, penetrating position in response to theexpandable broadhead impacting an object; effecting a camming action ofa cutting edge of the blade outward relative to the broadhead body bylongitudinally translating the blade; defining a mass reducing retainingslot in the blade and disposing a retaining device in the slot toslidably couple the blade to the broadhead body; driving the at leastone blade longitudinally rearward when the expandable broadhead engageswith the object; and coupling a tip blade to a forward end of theexpandable broadhead.
 75. An expandable broadhead comprising: abroadhead body comprising a penetrating end located along a longitudinalaxis and at least one blade recess; and a plurality of blades eachcomprising an outwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, andan impact edge, each of the plurality of blades arranged to sliderelative to the broadhead body generally along the longitudinal axisbetween a collapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and atleast the impact edge exposed from the blade recess, and an expandedposition with the impact edge rearwardly disposed and rear portions ofthe blades expanded radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body,wherein for each of the plurality of blades the camming surface ispositioned substantially opposite the cutting surface, and the impactedge is operably coupled to the cutting surface.
 76. An expandablebroadhead comprising: a broadhead body comprising a penetrating end andan arrow shaft attachment end permanently fixing relative to each otheralong a longitudinal axis; and a plurality of blades each comprising anoutwardly directed cutting surface, a camming surface, and an impactedge, each of the plurality of blades arranged for sliding engagementwith the broadhead body, wherein the blades slide generally along thelongitudinal axis, between a collapsed position with the bladesforwardly disposed and at least the impact edge exposed from thebroadhead body, and an expanded position with the impact edge rearwardlydisposed and rear portions of the blades expanded radially outwardlyrelative to the broadhead body, wherein for each of the plurality ofblades the camming surface is positioned substantially opposite thecutting surface, and the impact edge is operably coupled to the cuttingsurface.
 77. An expandable broadhead comprising: a broadhead bodycomprising a penetrating end and an arrow shaft attachment endpermanently fixing relative to each other along a longitudinal axis; anda plurality of blades each comprising an outwardly directed cuttingsurface, a camming surface, and an impact edge, each of the plurality ofblades are arranged to slide relative to the broadhead body between acollapsed position with the blades forwardly disposed and generallyaligned with the longitudinal axis, and an expanded position whereineach of the blades are adapted to be driven longitudinally rearward whenthe respective impact edges engage an object, wherein for each of theplurality of blades the camming surface is positioned substantiallyopposite the cutting surface, and the impact edge is operably coupled tothe cutting surface.
 78. A method of expanding an expandable broadhead,comprising the steps of: permanently fixing a penetrating end and anarrow shaft attachment end on a broadhead body relative to each otheralong a longitudinal axis; engaging each of a plurality of blades forsliding engagement with the broadhead body generally along thelongitudinal axis; arranging the plurality of blades generally along thelongitudinal axis in a collapsed position, the blades comprisingoutwardly directed cutting surfaces, camming surfaces, and forwardlyoriented impact edges; and applying a rearward force to each of theimpact edges so that rear portions of the each of the respective bladesexpand radially outwardly relative to the broadhead body, wherein foreach of the plurality of blades the camming surface is positionedsubstantially opposite the cutting surface, and the impact edge isoperably coupled to the cutting surface.